DFB's Tire Dressing Spreadsheet

[DFB5.0]

Following the same formula as the soap spreadsheet, this is a collation of every tyre dressing I've used since 2003. Again, this is a condensed version of my thread on the topic -

The Tyre Dressing Form Guide | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com

Just keep in mind that tyre dressing appearance is subjective. From my point of view, I don't want that super glossy "wet look" for cosmetic reasons, but also because gloss typically translates to sling. Having said that, I want to see a before and after, so a completely matte finish doesn't win me over either. My preference therefore is somewhere in between, a satin finish. So, my overall rating number probably reflect that view. Having said that, the spreadsheet provides a wide range of attributes, and hopefully you can get something out of it no matter your preference.

Sponsored

 

[skinnyb]

Following the same formula as the soap spreadsheet, this is a collation of every tyre dressing I've used since 2003. Again, this is a condensed version of my thread on the topic -

The Tyre Dressing Form Guide | 2015+ S550 Mustang Forum (GT, EcoBoost, GT350, GT500, Bullitt, Mach 1) - Mustang6G.com

Just keep in mind that tyre dressing appearance is subjective. From my point of view, I don't want that super glossy "wet look" for cosmetic reasons, but also because gloss typically translates to sling. Having said that, I want to see a before and after, so a completely matte finish doesn't win me over either. My preference therefore is somewhere in between, a satin finish. So, my overall rating number probably reflect that view. Having said that, the spreadsheet provides a wide range of attributes, and hopefully you can get something out of it no matter your preference.

Very nice. I must say I need to try the one on top, I actually don't have ANY 3D products. I have tried and have on hand all the others on the top of the list except OG. I still lean toward PERL as my OG go to favorite, it doesn't last but is super easy to work with and looks the best for me. Satin, barely there look and stupid easy to apply, works best at 1:1 for me. And on my PS4S on my Mach 1 they have never had anything but PSS on them since new. I haven't re invented the wheel on it and keep using it, seems to work well on those for me. I apply about every third or 4th wash.

 

[rothrj91]

I've used Chem Guys VRP and I think it's decent for tire dressing, doesn't sling, semi-glossy, but not over the top glossy. Agreed it doesn't last extremely long though. I like it because I feel like it's a more general purpose dressing and I use it on plastic trim and I like to dress my door seals with it. Not a fan of having to buy 20+ specialized products for detailing, but that's just me.

 

[skinnyb]

I've used Chem Guys VRP and I think it's decent for tire dressing, doesn't sling, semi-glossy, but not over the top glossy. Agreed it doesn't last extremely long though. I like it because I feel like it's a more general purpose dressing and I use it on plastic trim and I like to dress my door seals with it. Not a fan of having to buy 20+ specialized products for detailing, but that's just me.

VRP is one of the semi decent things Chemical Guys makes, I used it for a LONG time. And it does a good job, looks great, only main grip is the longevity, agreed...

 

[DFB5.0]

I've used Chem Guys VRP and I think it's decent for tire dressing, doesn't sling, semi-glossy, but not over the top glossy. Agreed it doesn't last extremely long though. I like it because I feel like it's a more general purpose dressing and I use it on plastic trim and I like to dress my door seals with it. Not a fan of having to buy 20+ specialized products for detailing, but that's just me.

I quite liked VRP, looked nice, smelt great, silky smooth to apply.

If you find yourself wanting to try something new, check out Carpro Perl. Like VRP, you can use Perl on multiple surfaces, from tires to trim, engine bays, rubber seals, interior dressing. Being dilutable means you can tailor Perl for different areas, whereas VRP is a one-size-fits-all situation, which is fine but locks you into a compromise. For example, when diluted you get a runny milk-like consistency that is easier to use on interior surfaces, trim and engine bays.

Tyres & Rubber - Undiluted to 1:1
External Plastics - 1:1 to 1:3 with water
Engine Bay Plastics - 1:1 to 1:3 with water
Interior Vinyl & Leather - 1:5 with water

As you've mentioned, product versatility is important and that's what you'll get with this product. I'm confident you'd like Perl, maybe even more than VRP.

 

[skinnyb]

I quite liked VRP, looked nice, smelt great, silky smooth to apply.

If you find yourself wanting to try something new, check out Carpro Perl. Like VRP, you can use Perl on multiple surfaces, from tires to trim, engine bays, rubber seals, interior dressing. Being dilutable means you can tailor Perl for different areas, whereas VRP is a one-size-fits-all situation, which is fine but locks you into a compromise. For example, when diluted you get a runny milk-like consistency that is easier to use on interior surfaces, trim and engine bays.

Tyres & Rubber - Undiluted to 1:1
External Plastics - 1:1 to 1:3 with water
Engine Bay Plastics - 1:1 to 1:3 with water
Interior Vinyl & Leather - 1:5 with water

As you've mentioned, product versatility is important and that's what you'll get with this product. I'm confident you'd like Perl, maybe even more than VRP.

Well said by the man. I agree whole heartedly. PERL is a great, versatile product. And dilutable so a 1 liter bottle lasts FOREVER.

 

[rothrj91]

I quite liked VRP, looked nice, smelt great, silky smooth to apply.

If you find yourself wanting to try something new, check out Carpro Perl. Like VRP, you can use Perl on multiple surfaces, from tires to trim, engine bays, rubber seals, interior dressing. Being dilutable means you can tailor Perl for different areas, whereas VRP is a one-size-fits-all situation, which is fine but locks you into a compromise. For example, when diluted you get a runny milk-like consistency that is easier to use on interior surfaces, trim and engine bays.

Tyres & Rubber - Undiluted to 1:1
External Plastics - 1:1 to 1:3 with water
Engine Bay Plastics - 1:1 to 1:3 with water
Interior Vinyl & Leather - 1:5 with water

As you've mentioned, product versatility is important and that's what you'll get with this product. I'm confident you'd like Perl, maybe even more than VRP.

I’ll have to buy a bottle the next time I run out of VRP. Definitely respect the experience you’ve had with all of these products lol

 

[kilobravo]

I still use VRP regularly on all sorts of well, Vinyl, Rubber, and Plastic. <grin> But, most of those items are household things..waste baskets, dishmats, etc., but I do still use it for the vinyl/rubber foldable bed cap on my truck. Used Perl on the Mustang tires and other vinyl/rubber parts for quite some time.

But when Deyon turned me on to OG's Tire Dressing, Perl got demoted but I still use it on the other two vehicles. And then Ghost comes along and it usurped OG's product. <smile> I'm a happy camper but have a bunch of Perl and OG Tire Dressing left over.

 

[FKE SNK]

I really like ghost but I do get wrinkling/cracking of the coating in larger areas of the sidewall after a few days. Has anyone else seen this?

 

[DFB5.0]

I really like ghost but I do get wrinkling/cracking of the coating in larger areas of the sidewall after a few days. Has anyone else seen this?

Did you solvent prep the tyres prior to application?

 

[kilobravo]

Has anyone else seen this?

Well that sucks. Haven't seen that happening here yet but will keep an eye out. This may be the first negative aspect for an ADS product.

 

[DFB5.0]

Well that sucks. Haven't seen that happening here yet but will keep an eye out. This may be the first negative aspect for an ADS product.

The only issues I've heard of regarding Ghost have been because the tire wasn't fully prepped prior to application. In that I mean you can't just slap in on over the top of something else, the tire must be thoroughly cleaned with an alkaline tire cleaner, then wiped dry using a solvent such as Mineral Spirits, Tarminator or Eulex.

Now, that might seem like a whole lot of work, and I guess it is. However, the time comes back to you over the longer run due to how it seals up the sidewall and prevents the tyres from getting dirty.

This is the official application instructions for Ghost -

Application:

1. To achieve optimal results with GHOST, ensure that your tires are thoroughly cleaned with our Tire Cleaner. Continue to clean and brush until all brown residue is removed. This may require multiple rounds.

2. If existing tire dressings remain, scrub the tire with a tar/adhesive remover to fully remove.

3. It is important that the tire is completely dry before applying GHOST.

4. Spray GHOST directly onto our Comfort Grip Tire Dressing Applicator and spread evenly onto the tire surface, ensuring all crevices are covered. You will see a blueish residue as you apply, this will dry clear.

5. GHOST provides a satin gloss level, for a higher gloss finish apply 2-3 layers roughly 10 minutes apart

6. Allow GHOST to fully dry before driving and 1 hour before exposing to water for best results.

7. Rinse applicator with water after use to avoid GHOST curing.

 

[kilobravo]

Now, that might seem like a whole lot of work, and I guess it is.

I didn't scrub the tires with mineral spirits immediately prior to application but I did clean them two months ago when I polished the car. But, it did have whatever was left of OG's Tire Dressing prior to Ghost application.

Unfortunately, we're still in Stage 3 water restrictions so the tires in the photos haven't been washed since the Ghost application which was about a month ago after a "rinseless" wash with Absolute. Granted not much of a wash for wheels and tires.,

Then I read Cam's post about flaking this morning and went out to take a closer look at my tires. Here are a couple photos of what I saw. Unless I'm wrong, it would seem that I too have some Ghost "flaking" like Cam mentioned..whatddaya think, guys? Cam, are these dry spot looking areas similar to the flaking you saw? Deyon?

The second photo seems to show a fairly long "high spot" just above the beed.

​

I can live with the extra glossy areas like this high spot but the flaking, if that's what it is, is a deal breaker for me as is the extensive prep work that apparently is required prior to application.

Good thing I have a gallon of OG's Tire Dressing and tons of Perl when the OGTD runs out. <smile>

 

[MAGS1]

I didn't scrub the tires with mineral spirits immediately prior to application but I did clean them two months ago when I polished the car. But, it did have whatever was left of OG's Tire Dressing prior to Ghost application.

Unfortunately, we're still in Stage 3 water restrictions so the tires in the photos haven't been washed since the Ghost application which was about a month ago after a "rinseless" wash with Absolute. Granted not much of a wash for wheels and tires.,

Then I read Cam's post about flaking this morning and went out to take a closer look at my tires. Here are a couple photos of what I saw. Unless I'm wrong, it would seem that I too have some Ghost "flaking" like Cam mentioned..whatddaya think, guys? Cam, are these dry spot looking areas similar to the flaking you saw? Deyon?

The second photo seems to show a fairly long "high spot" just above the beed.

​

I can live with the extra glossy areas like this high spot but the flaking, if that's what it is, is a deal breaker for me as is the extensive prep work that apparently is required prior to application.

Good thing I have a gallon of OG's Tire Dressing and tons of Perl when the OGTD runs out. <smile>

Could be uneven application, but more likely is that there was some former dressing leftover on the tire and the Ghost didn’t adhere properly. I put Ghost on my summer tires about mid-July after I got my front bumper fixed and it pretty much lasted until end of the season when I gave them a good cleaning to put away for winter.

Once you’re out of the water restrictions, try to get all the current dressing off the tires with a good tire cleaner. The Ghost should adhere well after that. FWIW, I just tried ADS Tire Cleaner a few weeks ago and I was quite impressed. Carpro ReTyre is good too if you’re looking for some other tire cleaner options

 

[DFB5.0]

I have not come across this patchy finish from Ghost. I've linked the below video, which helps explain why prep is so important and what makes Ghost different. To summarise, Ghost is not a dressing, it's a sealant that bonds to the rubber rather than sitting on top.

Note that the extra prep needed only adds a couple of minutes to the entire dressing process.

Sponsored